Amal – the programme in store

Amal @ Greenbelt is a new venue showcasing Muslim artistry, ideas, conversation and spirituality and curated for us by Chicago-based cultural producer Asad Ali Jafri. Building on our long history of welcoming Muslim thinkers and artists, Amal @ Greenbelt represents the next stage on this long and important journey of deeper understanding and celebration.

70 YEARS SINCE PARTITION: THE FUTURE OF THE SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA 2017 marks 70 years since the Indian subcontinent was first divided after British colonial rule. A lot has changed since then, including in the South Asian diaspora. This conversation explores the history, trauma, triumphs and future possibilities. Panelists: Yousuf B Qureshi, Akaknsha Mehta, Nitasha Kaul. Moderator: Avaes Mohammad

IN CONVERSATION WITH SAFFIYAH KHANSolidarity in Struggle A conversation on solidarity in people’s movements with Birmingham activist, Saffiyah Khan, who was famously photographed smiling as she stood in defiance of an EDL protester earlier this year – an image which went viral.

MUSIC SHOWCASE, FT: ZAMAAN AND AAR MAANTA ‘Zamaan’, meaning time in Arabic and often referring to the past, is a growing project between Rihab Azar & Jamal Al Sakka that revives, celebrates and builds on gems of Arabic and Middle-Eastern music. Featuring the oud and percussion, the project presents both sung and instrumental repertoire. Aar Manta, singer/ songwriter, is described by young Somalis in the UK as ‘the voice of our generation’ because of his songs relevancy to Somali immigrants. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays keyboard and oud — a staple of traditional Somali music.

SCRIPTURAL REASONING REMIXED Engage in a fun and thoughtful conversation around the music and lyrics that move us as spiritual people. Join Rachel Rose Reid, Abdalhamid Evans and Simon Joe Jones as they discuss the songs that move them spiritually and the special meanings why.

Story and spoken word

WRITING WORKSHOPWith Khulud Khamis Join Palestinian feminist writer Khulud Khamis for a writing workshop focusing on voices and invisible stories of women and marginalised communities. The workshop will explore the expression of these voices, from the personal to the political, using an intersectional approach. Living in Haifa, of Slovak-Palestinian parentage, Khulud is a writer, poet, and member of radical feminist collective Isha L’Isha.

CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM STORYTELLING: STORIES OF SHARED FAITH AND HISTORYKhayaal Theatre : Flight to Abyssinia How the Negus, a Christian king, granted safe haven to the first Muslim community. The story of a Sultan and a Saint (St Francis and Sultan Al-Kamil of Egypt) against the backdrop of the crusades. 60 minute performance, followed by 30 minute discussion

MILIEU AND U: A STORY CIRCLEYousuf Bashir Qureshi Join ‘Milieu and U,” a story circle with Pakistan’s Yousuf B Qureshi – an artist, designer, photographer and story teller. Bring yourselves and a story to share! Stories can be told through narrations, poetry, songs, and even your own musical instruments. Yousuf has always been involved in education, whether it is alternative or academic. He is a resident professor at Indus Valley School and also has been invited to speak for numerous courses around the world.

Performing arts

KHATAK DANCE WORKSHOPWith Sonia Sabri Dance Company Learn the basics of Kathak, a joyous and rhythmic Indian dance form that includes footwork, fast spins, choreography and storytelling. Sonia Sabri is an acclaimed dancer and choreographer whose practice spans from classical North Indian Kathak to fresh contemporary styles.http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/artists/ismael-lea-south/

SALAAMPresented by Sonia Sabri Company Salaam, literally meaning ‘peace’, is Sonia Sabri Company’s latest programme with a stunning presentation of Tabla, Voice and Kathak dance. Kathak is an exhilarating dance experience with an astounding display of precise footwork, eloquent gesture, rapid turns and heart-pounding rhythms. Sonia Sabri Company is one of the leading contemporary South Asian dance & music companies in the UK The company has an international reputation for presenting Kathak dance in a contemporary context, without diluting its integrity.

CAKES, BILAL ZAFAR Join Bilal as he takes you on a fascinating and hilarious journey of how his @zafarcakes handle became a focal point for the misguided rage of the far right when it was mistaken for the account of a Muslim-only bakery. 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Bilal uses humour to respond to the prejudice and abuse increasingly faced by British Muslims.

After hours

AMAL AFTERHOURS WITH DJ MAN-O-WAXandDJ U-CEF Move your mind, body and soul with the infectious rhythms of global spiritual music with funky rhythms and soulful melodies from the US to West Africa to South Asia. Spun by our own curator Asad Ali Jafri aka DJ Man-O-Wax. He performs internationally, spinning soulful, spiritual, and, of course, funky music from around the world. U-Cef, the Moroccan Digitizer, blends together arab and middle eastern sounds and beats with urban & traditional fusion. U-Cef has a special focus on the fusion of North African Gnawa with modern beats and basslines in what he has dubbed ‘halal music.’